Machine for welding keys to can ends



R. M. MERO MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO Q'AN ENDS Dec. 28, 1943.

Filed Dec. 18, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 28, 1943. R. M. MERO MACHINEFOR WELDING KEYS T0 CAN ENDS Filed Dec. 18, 1942 W M b m Mu w m a m W N2 M 7 aw 7 7 V J W n" g a u e 6 v 3 1 a. fl ma q 1% a 6 J 3. M J B 0 6 i1 N 7 9 7. o 6 v it w m 4 2 w m .1 n0 6 o 0 a .w o 0 2 z H J a ZHQ m lu.0 m J 2 6 M m a M 00 E .6 0v 3 M 15 Q 1 J v m J M H M Q I, Ii 11 I a 9 Mm m m m 1 Dec. 28, 1943. R. M. MERO 2,338,002

MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO CAN ENDS Filed Dec. 18, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet4 I 56?. Q F I Dec. 28, 1943. R. M. MERO 2,338,002

MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO CAN ENDS Filed Dec. 18, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet5 Dec. 28, 1943. R. M. MERO MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO CAN ENDS FiledDec. 18, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 T l l Dec. 28, 1943. R. M. MERO 2,338,002

MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO CAN ENDS Filed Dec. 18, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet7 R. M. MERO MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS TO CAN ENDS Dec. 28, 1943.

8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 18, 1942 Patented Dec. 28, 1943 I 2,338,002MACHINE FOR WELDING KEYS 'ro CAN ENDS Ralph M. Mero, Chicago, Ill.,assigncr to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., acorporation of New York Application December 18, 1942, Serial No.469,443

25 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for welding keys to can ends and moreparticularly to ma chines for automatically delivering keys andcan endsto awelding station, welding the keys to the can ends, and moving thewelded keys and can ends away from the welding station.

An object of the invention is to provide a machine of the class referredto which is so constructed as to operate rapidly and efficiently with aminimum of possibility of damagebeing done to the keys and can ends, andrequiring a minimum of attention by the operator in charge.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for welding keysto can ends in which the parts may be adjusted for operation inconnection with keys of different sizes and shapes and can ends ofdiiferent depths as well as different diameters.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterstated in which can ends are fed to a welding station between a pair ofmovable electrodes and which includes mechanism for retracting bothelectrodes so that neither can interfere with the feeding of the canends to the welding station, and for moving the electrodes into weldingcontact with the keys and can ends only after they have been positionedat the welding station. 4

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterreferred to including novel and improved mechanism for feeding can endsfrom a magazine or the like to a welding station.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved mechanismfor feeding keys from a magazine or the like and placing them on canends, characterized in that a key feeding slide or the like is driven bymeans adapted to yield in the event'of jamming of the feeding element,thereby avoiding damaging of the parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a quickly demountable keymagazine and associated parts for mounting it on the magazine frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism forejecting welded can ends and keys from a feeding turret.

Another objectrof the invention is to provide novel means formagnetically removing welded can ends and keys from an ejector andcarryin them to a delivery point. I

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterreferred'to including control means for preventing completion of thewelding circuit if no key is positioned at the welding station.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the characterreferred to including control means for preventing completion of thewelding circuit if no can end is positioned at the welding station.

Other objects will become apparent from a reading of the followingdetailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanyingdrawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a machine embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail elevational view of a cam for operating a topelectrode, drawn on an enlarged scale.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 33 of Figure 2drawn on an enlarged scale and showing in detail the mounting of the topelectrode, switches for controlling the welding circuit, and mechanismfor operating the switches. The parts are shown in the positions theyoccupy beforethe top electrode is moved to welding position.

Figure 6 is a detail view partly in section and partly in elevationshowing some of the parts illustrated in Figure 5 and in the positionsoccupied when the electrodes are in welding position.

Figure '7 is a detail horizontal section of a switch operating rod;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section of a housing and drive mechanismtherein Figure 9 is a section on the line 99 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevation of a bottom electrode, a mountingtherefor, and connections for conducting cooling fluid to and from theelectrode.

Figure 11 is an end elevation of structure formounting a key magazineand for operating a key slide.

Figure 12 is a detail side elevation of the key magazine mountingstructure shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a detail plan view of an arm for stripping welded can endsand keys from a discharge member.

Figure 14 is a top plan view of a-rotatable discharge plate, a covertherefor being broken away to show the mounting of magnets for pickingwelded can endsand keys off the ejector mechanism.

Figure 15 is a vertical section of the parts shown in Figure 14 andshowing also mechanism for operating the discharge plate.

Figure 16 is a detail fragmentary section on the line 16-46 of Figure15.

Figure 17 is a wiring diagram The illustrative embodiment of theinvention shown in the drawings includes a basically conventionalwelding press A, and mechanism B mounted on and associated with thepress for positioning can ends and keys at the welding station and fordischarging them after the welding operation. Although the press A maybe of a basically conventional typ it is equipped with mechanism forcorrelating its operation with the operation of the mechanism B so thatthe press A and mechanism B operate in combination to achieve objectsand purposes of the present invention.

The press A includes a combined frame and housing I which supports andencloses the usual electrical equipment (not shown) for supplying thewelding current. A slider 2 is mounted to reciprocate vertically inguides 3 mounted on the press frame I and carries a top electrodegenerally designated 4. The slider 2 is urged upwardly by springs 5mounted on frame carried pins 6 and interposed between the frame I and across bar 1 carried by a bracket 8 fast to the slider 2.

- Mechanism is provided for moving the slider 2 and top electrode 4downwardly against the urge of the springs 5 and then permitting thesprings to return the slider and electrode upwardly. This mechanismincludes a motor 9 carried by a bracket I supported on the frame I andoperatively connected by a belt I I to a pulley I2 which drives areduction gear unit I3.of any standard or suitable construction. Thereduction gear unit I3 includes power output shaft I4 which, at itsforward end (not shown), supplies the power input to a magneticallyoperated clutch I5' which also may be of a standard or any suitableconstruction. The driven shaft of the clutch I5 is indicated at I6 andis connected to a cam I1 cooperatively engaged with a follower roller I8journaled on the bracket 8. The shaft I4 is equipped with a fan cam I9adapted to engage a follower for operating a firing control switch 2|.

When the magnetically controlled clutch I5 is engaged in a manner to bedescribed later drive will be transmitted to the shaft I6 to rotate thecam I7 and thus effect lowering and raising of the slider 2 and topelectrode 4. The switch 2|, closed and opened intermittently by the camI9, controls the phase and duration of the welding operation. As will bepointed out later, other switches coact'with the switch 2| and controlthe welding operation in such a way that no welding current can beapplied unless a can end and superposed key are properly positioned atthe welding station.

A bracket 22 secured to the slider 2 by screws 23 includes a verticallybored part 24 for mounting the top electrode 4. Preferably the electrode4 is so mounted that it may yield and move upwardly relatively to thebracket 22 a small amount when it is pressed against a key and can end.In the illustrative embodiment a sleeve 25 is mounted within the boredpart 24 of the bracket 22 and is provided at its lower end with a flange26. A resilient rubber washer 21 is interposed between the flange 25 anda shim 28 which abuts the bottom of the bored part 24. The upper end ofthe sleeve 25 is threaded to receive nuts 29, the lower nut abutting thetop of the bored part 24, and pulling thesleeve upwardly so that theflange 26 exerts a slight pressure on the resilient washer 21. The uppernut 29 acts as a lock nut. When upward pressure is applied to the sleeve25, the washer 27 willyield so as to permit the sleeve to move upwardlywith respect to the bracket 22 and slider 2.

It is desirable that the top electrode 4 be vertically adjustable withrespect to its mounting on the slider 2. To this end the electrode isformed to include a holder 30 which is threaded externally to cooperatewith internal threads on the sleevev 25, the arrangement being such thatby turning the holder 30 it may be moved upward- 1y or downwardly withrespect to the slider 2. A look nut 3i on the holder 30 engages the topnut 29 for maintaining the holder 30 in adjusted position. A replaceableelectrode tip 32 is removably attached to the bottom end of the holder30.

' In operation, when the slider 2 is lowered, the electrode tip 32 willengage a key, and the slider 2 and bracket 22 will then be moveddownwardly a little more while the tip 32, holder 30, and sleeve 25 willremain stationary. This will be permitted by the yielding of the rubberwasher 21 and the tip 32 will exert a cushioned pressure on the key.

Preferably the top' electrode 4 is constructed and equipped to enablecooling fluid to pass through it. To this end the holder 30 is formedwith a bore 33 and a tube 34 is extended down through the bore withsufficient clearance between the outside of the tube and the bore wallsto permit the flow of cooling fluid. A fitting 35 carried by the upperend of the holder 30 is provided with inlet and outlet connections 36and 3'! adapted to place theaioresaid clearance in communication withconduits for the delivery and return of cooling fluid.

As shown in Figure 2, a flexible electrical conductor 38 is secured tothe bracket 22 for connecting the top electrode 4 in the weldingcircuit.

A bottom electrode generally designated 39 is mounted to move towardsand away from the top electrode 4 so as to permit a can end and key tobe positioned between the two electrodes after which the bottomelectrode is moved upwardly to make welding contact with the bottom faceof the can end at or about the time the top electrode moves downwardlyto contact the key. In the form shown, the bottom electrode 39 comprisesa wheel or disk 40 rotatably mounted on a bracket 4| and releasably heldagainst turning thereon by a clamping plate 42 secured to the bracket byscrews 43. By loosening the screws 43 the electrode wheel 40 may beturned so as to change the contact surface.

The bracket M is adjustably secured to a conductor plate 44 by means ofscrews 45, the arrangement being such that the bottom electrode 39 canbe adjusted so as to align with the top electrode 4. The conductor plate44 is mounted on an insulating separator pad 48 in turn carried by apiston 41. As shown in Figure 10, the plate 44 is secured to the piston41 by screws 48 which are insulated from the plate 44 by bushlugs 49 andwashers 50. Thus there is no electrical connection between the bottomelectrode 39 and thepiston 41.

' raise and lower the link I9, rod

The piston 41 is slidable vertically in a cylinder I formed on a fixedbracket 5Ia., A key 52 prevents rotation of the piston 41 within thecylinder 5|. A flexible conductor 53 shown in Figure is attached to theconductor plate 44 for connecting the bottom electrode 39 in the weldingcircuit. The electrode bracket 4| may be jacketed for the passage ofcooling fluid introduced through a pipe 54 and returned through a pipe55.

The bottom electrode 39 is operated in timed relation with the topelectrode 4. Mechanism for moving the bottom electrode includes a shaft56 coupled as at 51 to the power output shaft I4 of the reduction gearunit I3. The shaft 56 is journaled on the frame I by a bearing 58 and isequipped with a sprocket 59 over which is trained a chain 68 whichpasses around a sprocket H on a shaft 62 journaled on the frame I as at63. A chain tightener sprocket 64 is mounted on an arm 65 pivotallysupported on a bracket 66 carried by the frame 'I.

. The shaft 62 is connected by a coupling 6'! to a shaft 68 .journaledin bearings 69 and 18 in a housing II connected by screws I2 to abracket I3 on the frame I. Keyed to the shaft 68 is a cam I4 providedwith a cam groove I5 which receives a follower roller I6 mounted on theend of a lever arm 71 pivoted on the housing 1| as at 78. Fast with thelever 17 and also pivoted at I8 is a lever arm 'I'Ia to which the lowerend'of a link I9 is pivoted at 88. The upper end of the link I9 ispivoted at 8| to a rod 82 reciprocable in a bearing 83 carried by thebracket 5Ia.

The top of the rod 82 is of reduced diameter at 84 so as to provide ashoulder 85. A sleeve 86 formed with a flange 8'I fits over and isrotatable upon the reduced diameter rod portion 84. The sleeve abutsagainst the shoulder 85 and is held against upward movement relativelyto the rod 82 by a washer 88 and pin 89. External threads on the sleevecooperate with the internally threaded bore 98 of the piston 41, thearrangement being such that th sleeve may be rotated with respect to thepiston for adjusting the connection between the bottom electrode 39 andthe pivot 8I whereby the limits of movement of the bottom, electrode maybe changed. A look nut 9| having threaded engagement with the sleeve 86is adapted to be drawn up against the bottom of the piston 41 forholding the sleeve in adjusted position.

In operation, the shaft 56, sprocket and chain drive 59, 68 and 6|,shafts 62 and 68, and the cam I4 wil1 be driven continuously. The cam I4will cooperate with the roller I6 to rock the levers TI and 11a back andforth to thereby alternately 82 and bottom electrode 39.

Means are provided for supporting a supply of can ends and keys anddelivering them separately to the welding station, 1. e. between theelectrodes in time with the operation of the electrodes. The keys aredelivered to the welding station to be superposed on the can ends at thewelding station. Consequently the can ends are delivered to the weldingstation a little ahead of the keys.

Th mechanism for supplying and delivering flanged can ends to thewelding station includes a hopper plate 92 carried by a bracket 93supported on the bracket 5Ia previously referred to. A can end stackfeed mechanism generally designated 94, and which may be of aconventional or known construction, is mounted on the hopper plate 92.The conventional feed mechanism meludes, briefly stated, stacksupporting members 85, an end feed ring gear 96, a cover 91 therefor,

. an end feed drive gear pinion 98, and end feed screws 99 (see Figure2). Feed screw plnions (not shown) may be included for operating thescrews 99.

The feed mechanism 94 operates to feed can ends periodically from thebottom of the stack to a can end moving member or turret I 88 mountedand operated as described hereinafter. The means for operating thefeeding mechanism 94 includes a shaft IM to which the pinion 98 is vfixed. The shaft I!" is journaled in bearings I82 and I83carried by thehousing II. A bevel gear I84 fixed to the lower end of the shaft I8Imeshes with a bevel gear I85 fixed to the shaft 68, which is driven inthe manner previously described.

The transverse turret I88. is provided with six openings surrounded bycan end receiving seats I86 and is connected as at I81 to the top of avertical shaft I88 journaled in bearings I89 and I I8 carried by thebracket 5Ia. Fixed to the lower end of the shaft I88 is a circular plateIII equipped with six circumferentially spaced follower rollers I I2adapted to be operated by an indexing cam I I3 keyed as at 4 on anenlarged part II5 of the shaft 68 and held in place by collars H6. Theindexing cam and follower construction may be of a known kind so thatdetail description thereof is unnecessary. Briefly stated, the operationis such that when the shaft 68 and cam H3 rotate continuously, thefollower rollers II2, circular plate III and shaft I88 will be rotatedstep by step so a to move the turret I88 in steps, bringing it to restas each seat I88 comes under the stack feed mechanism 94 and as anotherseat previously supplied with a can end arrives at the welding station.

The means for supplying and delivering individual keys on top of the canends at the welding station includes a key stack magazine generallydesignated I I! mounted on a bracket I I8 fixed to the housing II byscrews H9. The key stack magazine III includes a base I28 and two spacedupright members I2I whose contiguous faces are shaped to defineconjointly a slot I22 for receiving the stems of keys I23.

It is desirable that the magazine ll! be adjustable horizontally andthat it b adapted to be removed easily so as to permit replacement by amagazine adapted to hold keys of a different size or shape. The bracketH8 is formed with seats I24 having overhanging inner ends I25. Rails I26are removably positioned on the flat surfaces of the seats I24 withtheir inner ends projecting under the overhanging portions I25 of thebracket II8. For releasably holding the rails on their seats, yokes I2'Ipivoted as at I28 on the bracket II8 are provided with holding screwsI29 adapted to be turned up against the outer ends of the rails I28.Lock nuts I38 are provided for maintaining the screws I29 in theirrail-holding positions.

The base I28 is provided with slots I3I which receive screws I32 havingthreaded engagement with the rails I26. By loosening the screws I32. thmagazine I I! may be shifted horizontally and the screws then tightenedto secure the magazine in adjusted position.

If it should be desired to remove the entire magazine I II, the yokescrews I29 may be loosened and the yokes then swung downwardly so as topermit the rails I26 and the magazin III supported thereon to be slidoutwardly and removed.

A key transfer member or slider I33 is mounted to reciprocate under thestack oi keys I23 tor receiving keys and delivering them to the weldingstation. The key transfer member I33 is formed with tongues I34 slidabiein grooves E35 in the key stack base 620. The top suri'ace oi the slideris formed .with a key engaging seat part E33 for receiving the stems ofthe keys I23 and the end of the slider which moves toward the weldingstation is out out from top to bottom as indicated at Wild (see Figure1). Thus no part of the slider extends above or below the ellipticalhandle of a key H23 positioned on the seat I33.

The slider 133. is reciprocated by mechanism including lever I31 securedto a rock shaft I36 journaled on the bracket H3. The lever i3? isconnected to the slider M3 by an adjustable turnbuckle link I39 pivotedas at M3 to the lever I31 and pivoted as at IM to the slider I33. Aspring I42 connected to the lever I31 and the bracket H3 as at I43 and i44 respectively urges the lever I31 to move the slider I33 from underthe key stack and toward the welding station.

A lever I45 fast on the rock shaft I38 has its lower end connected as atI46 to alink I41 which is in turn connected as at I48 to a rod I49slidable in a bearing I49a in the housing II. The rod I49 is threaded toreceive a yoke I50 held against turning on the rod by a lock nut II. Theyoke I50 includes guide arms I52 slidably receiving bearing blocks I53the inner surfaces of which are of arcuate formation to fit the hub I54of a cam I55 keyed as at I56 to the shaft 68, the hub I54 beingconcentric with respect to the shaft 68.- The end or cross piece I51 ofthe yoke is equipped with a follower roller I58 which engages theperiphery of the cam I55.

In operation, rotation of the cam I55 will act on the follower roller I58 to pull the rod I49 toward the right as viewed in Figure 3 to thusrock the levers I45 and I31 counter-clockwise against the urge of thespring I42. The lever I31 will pull on the link I39 to move the sliderI33 away from the welding station and position the slider groove I36under the key stack to receive a key. Upon continued rotation of the camI55 the follower roller I58 will be permitted to move inwardly and thespring I42 will rock the lever I31 clockwise as viewed in Figure 3 so asto move the slider I33 and key supported thereon to the welding station.

The yieldable spring I42 drives the key slide I33 impositively so thatif the slide should be jammed by a misplaced key or otherwise, it willstop and breakage or damaging of the key-feeding mechanism will beaverted.

Means are provided for stripping the keys from the slider I33 anddepositing them upon the can ends preparatory to welding and also forpreventing completion of the welding circuit if either a can end or akey is not properly positioned at the welding station. Mechanism foraccomplishing these purposes is shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6. A plateI59 is mounted on but is electrically insulated from the bracket 22.Slots I60 in the plate I59 receive screws I6I threaded into the bracket22. The slots I60 extend vertically so that by loosening the screws I6Ithe plate I59 may be adjusted vertically and then locked in adjustedposition by tightening of the screws. A bracket I62 formed withhorizontal slots I63 is mounted on the plate I59 and is secured inhorizontally adjusted position by screws I64.

Thus it is possible to adjust the bracket I62 both horizontally andvertically with respect to the bracket 22.

The bracket I62 is formed with a cylinder I 86 which receives avertically reciprocable piston 5 I66. The piston is formed with a slotor groove it! into which is extended a screw 33 anchored in the cylinderI65. The screw I63 and slot I61 hold the piston against turning in thecylinder and limit the downward movement of the piston in under the urgeof a spring I69 interposed between the top end of the cylinder and theadjacent end of the piston.

A rod H mounted to reciprocate vertically with respect to both thecylinder and the piston s itt has its lower part I1I formed ofelliptical cross section to fit snugly within the elliptically loopedends of the keys I23. Th upper part in of the rod I10 is round andextends through the top of the cylinder I65. The shoulder formed at thejunction of the elliptical rod part HI and round rod part I12 serves asa seat for the lower end of a spring I13, the upper end of which abutsthe top of the cylinder I65. The spring I13 urges the rod I10downwardly, but downward movement of the rod is limited by engagement ofa rod carried pin I14 with the top of the cylinder I35.

In operation, when the turret I00 has delivered a can end C to thewelding station and the slider I 33 has moved a key I23 to the weldingstation, the parts will be in the relative positions shown in Figure 5before the electrodes 4 and 39 are moved downwardly and upwardlyrespectively. When the slider 2 moves downwardly, the electrode 4 andcylinder I65 will be lowered until ,the lower end "I of the rod I10passes through the looped end of the key I23 and then engages the canend 0. This will occur before the electrode 4 engages the key I 23, andthe slider I33 .will be withdrawn before the electrode 4 arrives atwelding position. When the slider I33 is withdrawn, the key I23 will beheld by the rod I10. During further downward movement of the slider 2,the electrode 4 and the cylinder I65 will continue to move downwardly,but the key-retaining member I10 will remain stationary as is permittedby yielding of the spring I13. The electrode 4 will engage the key stemand push the key off the rod I10 onto the can end C. Finally theelectrode 4 will press the key against the can end C which by this timewill be supported by the bottom electrode 39 which has been moved upunder the can end. The parts will then be in readiness for passage ofthe welding current.

It is desirable that the welding circuit should not be completed if acan end is not positioned at the welding station. Means for controllingthe completion of the welding circuit depending upon the positioning of'a can end at the welding station, includes a switch I15 mounted on thebracket I62 and having an operating button I16 adapted to be engaged anddepressed by a cam collar I11 held in adjusted position on the rod I10by a lock nut I18. In operation, when the switch operating rod deviceI10 engages a can end 0 and thereby is moved upwardly relatively to thecylinder I65 and switch I15, the collar I11 will operate the switchbutton I16 so as to enable the closing of the welding circuit. On 70 theother hand, it no can end is positioned at the welding station when theslider 2 is moved downwardly, the rod I10 will merely continue to movedownwardly together with the bracket I62 and switch I15 so that theswitch button I16 will not be operated and the Welding circuit will notbe set up or conditioned for operation. The rod I thus constitutes adetector responsive to contact with a can end in welding position foroperating the switch I15.

Likewise, it is desirable that completion of the welding circuit beprevented if no key is positioned at the welding station when theelectrodes are moved to welding position. To this end, a cam lug I19 ismounted on the piston I 66 and is adapted to engage and depress theoperating button I80 of a switch I8I carried by thepbracket I62 onlywhen the piston I66 is moved upwardly within the cylinder I65. Normally,that is when a key is positioned on top of a can end C as shown inFigure 6, the lower end of the piston I66 will engage the key justbefore the slider 2 completes its downward movement. After the switchoperating piston device I66 engages the key, and during the finaldownward movement of the slider 2, the piston I66 will move upwardlyrelatively to the cylinder I65 and switch I8I, thereby causing the camlug I19 to engage and depress the operating button I80 of the switch.This will enable the completion of the welding circuit. v

However, should no key I 23 be positioned at the welding station whenthe slider 2 and parts carried thereby are moved downwardly, the slider2 will reach the end of its downward movement before the piston I66 canengage the can end C so that the piston will not move up relatively tothe switch I8I. Consequently the switch button I80 will not be depressedand the welding circuit will not be set up or conditioned to be closed.Thus, the piston I66 constitutes a detector responsive to contact with akey in welding position for operating the switch I8I.

It will be observed that in order to condition the welding circuit to beclosed, both the switches I and I8I must be operated and consequently itwill be necessary for a can end C and the superposed key I23 to bepositioned at the welding station.

When a can end and key are properly posi- I tioned at the weldingstation and the electrodes have been moved into contact with the can endand key as shown in Figure 6, the switch 2| will be operated to finallyclose and then open the welding circuit.

After a key has been spot welded to a can end, the turret I00 isadvanced to move the welded can end and key to a discharge station, atwhich an ejector generally designated I82 lifts the can end and key fromthe turret to be picked up by a rotating discharge plate member I83.

The ejector mechanism I82 includes a pad I84 positioned below an openingI85 in the hopper plate 92. The pad I84 is carried on the upper end of arod I86 reciprocable in fixed bearings I81 and I88. Preferably the rodI86 is adjustable as to length as at I89. The lower end of the rod I86is connected as at I90 to an eccentric strap I9I cooperable with aneccentric I92 fast with the cam 14, which is secured to the shaft 68.

In operation, the continuously rotating eccentric I92 will reciprocatethe rod I86 to project the pad I84 up through the seats I06 in theturret I00 as the seats arrive respectively over the pad I84. Thus, aseach welded can end and key arrive at the discharge station, the pad I84will lift them off the turret I00 and position them close to the bottomof the discharge plate I83.

The discharge plate I83 is splined to the upper end of a shaft I93journaled in bearings I94 and" I95 carried by the housing 1|. The shaftI93 is continuously rotated by a sprocket I96 secured to the lower endof the shaft I98, a chain I91 engaging the sprocket I96, and a sprocketI98 secured to the lower end of the shaft IOI. The discharge plate I88is provided with three circumferentially spaced pairs of outer and innerhorse shoe magnets I99 and 200 respectively. The magnets are mountedagainst the ends of radially disposed bars 20I secured to the plate I83by screws 202. Adjacent each end of the bars 20I are openings 203extending through the discharge plate 183. Blocks 204 fitting within themagnets I99-200 are secured to the ends of the bars 20I for holding themagnets on the plate I83. The plate I83, bars 2M, and blocks 204 areformed of non-magnetic material. A cover 206 may be friction fitted overthe plate I83 for preventing dirt from accumulating on the dischargeplate I83 and associated parts.

In operation, as each welded can end and key come to rest at thedischarge station, the pad I84 will lift the can end and key from theturret seat I06 and move them up under the continuously rotatingdischarge plate I83. When a pair of magnets I99-200 moves over thewelded can end and key. they will be attracted and held against thedischarge plate I83 and moved from the discharge station.

For stripping the welded can ends and keys from the discharge plate I83,an arcuate stripper bar 201 is mounted on the hopper plate 92 at adelivery station just below the discharge plate I83. As each can end andkey move up to the stripper bar 201, they will be intercepted and heldstationary While the discharge plate I 83 continues to rotate. Themagnets I99-200 will move from above the intercepted can end and key,whereupon the latter will drop downwardly into a receptacle or onto aconvey r ot shown). In order to permit adjustment of the stripper barfor adapting it to intercept can ends of different sizes, it is mountedon a bracket 208 pivoted on the shaft I 93. formed with an arcuate slot209 which receives a screw 2I0 having threaded connection with thehopper plate 92. When the screw 2I0 is loosened, the bracket 208 andstripper bar 201 may be adjusted on the shaft I93. The screw 2I0 maythen be tightened to lock the stripper bar in adjusted position.

Welding and control circuits Figure 17 shows a preferred wiring circuitfor supplying and controlling the supply of current to the electrodes '4and 39 and for controlling the operation of the motor 9 and partsoperated by it. A 440 volt power line 2 is connected to the primarywinding 212 of a welding transformer 2I3 through a welding control panelequipment 2I4. The transformer 2I3 may be mounted within the presshousing I and has opposite ends of its secondary winding 2I5 connectedto the electrodes 4 and 39. When a circuit is made through the primarywinding 2I2, the welding potential will be established at the electrodes4 and 39.

A control circuit is provided for governing the The bracket 208 is 221of which is connected to the conductors 2H and 2I8 by means ofconductors 228 and 229. A conductor 238 leads from one end of thesecondary winding 225 through overload devices 23l to the solenoidwinding 224, the latter in turn leading through a conductor 232 to astart switch 233, thence through a stop switch 234, and thence in seriesthrough a shear pin control 235, a cover stack control 236, and a keystack control 231, back to the secondary winding 225.

The conductor 232, another conductor 238, and a contactor 248 carried bythe plunger 223 are connected across the start switch 233 to provide aholding circuit. Once the start switch 233 is closed, the solenoidwinding 224 will remain energized and the motor 9 will continue to rununtil the stop switch 234 is opened or the control circuit broken at oneof the switches 235, 236, 231.

The solenoid plunger 223 also carries a contactor 24I closing of whichis effective upon the welding control panel equipment 2I4 for energizingthe primary winding 2 I2 of the transformer M3. A conductor 242leadsfrom the contactor 2M through the firing control switch 2i, the nokey-no weld switch IBI, and the no cover-no weld switch 315 and thenceto, a terminal 242 on the panel 2M. Another conductor 243 leads from thecontactor 24I through a thermostatic switch 244 to another terminal 245on the panel H3. The switch 234 is adapted to open automatically inresponse to higher-than-normal temperature of water cooling thetransformer 2E3 and the electrodes.

In operation, the start switch 233 is closed momentarily to energize thesolenoid winding 224 and thereby close all the contactors 2I9, 220, 22I,240 and MI. The motor 9 will thereby be started, the clutch I5 will beengaged, and the circuit for holding the contactors closed will beestablished. The holding circuit will be opened upon manual operation ofthe stop switch 234 or automatic operation of any of the controlswitches 235, 236, 231. When the holding circuit is opened all of thecontact bars 2I9, 229, 22], 240 and 2M are moved out of engagement withtheir respective contact points, so that even if the momentum orcoasting of the motor 9 causes the firing switch 2I to be closed, theWelding circuit will not be .completed because the contact bar 24I willbe out of contact with its contact points.

Operation To prepare the machine for operation, a supply of can ends Cis placed in the stack magazine 94, a supply of keys is placed in thekey stack magazine II 1, the motor 9 is started, and the clutch I5 isengaged.

The shaft 68, the cam 14, the eccentric I92, the indexin cam N3, the camI55, and the stack feed pinion 98 will all be rotated continuously.Rotation of the indexing cam H3 will effect a step by step rotation ofthe turret I00 to transfer can ends fed from the magazine 94 to thewelding station between the electrodes 4 and 39. The key slide I33 willbe reciprocated and so timed with respect to the starting and stoppingof the turret I00 as to deliver a key I23 from the key stack magazine H1to the welding station just trode 4.

after a can end 0 is delivered to the welding station. Meanwhile the camI1 is rotated to move the slider 2 and parts carried thereby downwardly.When the lower end of the rod I18 extends through the handle of a keyI23 and comes to rest against the can end 0, the rod I10 will moveupwardly with respect to the switch I15 so as to operate the button I16in the manner previously explained and thereby to condition the weldingpircuit for being completed. The key slide I33 will then be withdrawnwhereupon the piston I66 will push the key down against the can end C.During further downward movement of the slider 2, the piston I66 will beraised so as to operate the switch button I and further condition thewelding circuit for being closed. After the top electrode 4 engages thekey and the bottom electrode 39 engages the bottom of the can end C, theswitch 2I'will be closed by operation of the cam I 9 to complete theclosing of the welding circuit and maintain it closed for the desiredperiod.

If no can end is presented at the welding station, the switch I15 willnot be operated to condition the welding circuit for being closed and if.no key I23 is resented at the welding circuit,

the switch IBI will not be operated to condition the welding circuit forbeing closed.

After the welding current has been cut oil, the cam I1 will move onaround to permit the springs 5 to lift the slider 2, thereby raising thetop elec- Similarly the bottom electrode 39 will be lowered by the cam14 and associated mecha nism.

When the electrodes have moved away from the welded can end and key, theturret I88 will move the can end and key to the discharge station, wherethe can end will be engaged by the lifting pad I84 and moved upsufiiciently close to the discharge plate I83 to be attracted and heldby a pair of magnets l99-209. The welded can end and key will then bemoved around with the discharge plate I 83 until wiped off by thestripper bar 201 and dropped into a receptacle or onto a conveyor.

Adjustments The machine disclosed herein may be adjusted or adapted forwelding keys on or off the centers of the can ends, for welding keys ofdifferent lengths to can ends, and for welding keys to can ends havingdifferent depths as well as diiferent diameters.

To adapt or adjust the machine for operation in connection with can endsof different diameters, the turret I68 may be removed from the shaft I88and replaced with a turret having seats larger or smaller in diameterthan the seats I06.

To adapt or adjust the machine for welding keys to flanged can ends ofdifferent depths, the range of movement of the electrodes 4 and 39 maybe adjusted so as to bring them into contact with the keys and the bodyof the can end respectively when the electrodes reach the limits oftheir travel toward welding position. The range of movement of the topelectrode 4 may be varied by loosening the lock nut 3|, turning theholder 30 within the sleeve 25 and then retightening the lock nut 3|.The range of movement of the bottom electrode may be varied by looseningthe lock collar 9| and rotating the sleeve 86 within the piston 41. Theheight of ejector pad I84 is adjusted in accordance with the depth ofthe can end flange by adjusting the rod I86 at I89.

The position at which the keys are welded on the can ends, 1. e. oncenter or off center of the can ends is determined by the horizontal orlateral adjustment of they electrodes 4 and 39. The top electrode 4 maybe adjusted laterally by loosening the screws 23 and shifting thebracket 22 horizbntally. This adjustment of the bracket will also effecthorizontal shifting or adjusting of the key retaining rod I10, theswitches I and I8I and the mechanism for operating the switches inresponse to approach of the top electrode '4 to a properly positionedkey and can end.

For conditioning the mechanism to feed and weld keys of differentlengths and also for forming the weld at the desired points on the keys,the range of movement of the key slide I33 may be adjusted by means ofthe turn-buckle I39. It will be apparent that by rotating the tumbucklethe slide I33 may be caused to reach its extreme position at the end ofa feeding stroke member formed with a key receiving seat; means foroperating said key transfer member to move said seat first under saidmagazine to receive a key, then over a can cover on said supportingmeans, and then back under said magazine, means mounted for movement forbeing projected into the key looped end when the key is over the cancover and thus holding the key against movement with said seat back tosaid magazine; means for operating said movably mountedmeans in timedrelation to operation of said key transfer member, and means for stripva key stack magazine; means for supporting inwhen the looped end of thekey is positioned 1. In a machine for welding keys to flanged can endsof varying depths, a pair of electrodes; means mounting both saidelectrodes to move towards and from each other; means engageable by theflange only of a can end for supporting said can end and a key thereonbetween said electrodes, the position of the contacting portions of thecan end and key along the line of movement of said electrodes beingvariable in dependence upon the depth of the can end flange; means forfirst moving both said electrodes toward eachother for bringing themrespectively into contact with the key and the face of the can endopposite said key, and for then moving both electrodes away from eachother and respectively away from said key and said can end; and meansfor adjusting both said electrodes longitudinally of their line ofmovement whereby the limits of their movements towards each other can bevaried to bring about welding contact with keys and can ends ofdifferent depths.

2. In a machine for welding looped end keys to can ends, a key stackmagazine; means for supporting individual can covers; and means forwithdrawing individual keys from the bottom of the stack and depositingthem upon supported individual can covers including a key transfermember formed with a key receiving seat: means for operating said keytransfer member to move said seat first under said magazine to receive akey, then over a can cover on said supporting means, and then back undersaid magazine, means mounted for movement for being projected into thekey looped end when the key is over the can cover and thus holding thekey against movement with said seat back to said magazine; and means foroperating said movably mounted means in timed relation to operation ofsaid key transfer member.

3. In a machine ,for welding looped end keys to can ends, a key stackmagazine; means for dividual can covers; and means for withdrawingindividual keys from the bottom of the stack and depositing them uponsupported individual can covers including a key transfer member having akey engaging part; means for operating said key transfer member to movesaid key engaging part first under said magazine to engage a key, thenover a can cover on said supporting means, and then back under saidmagazine, means for varying the range of movement of said key transfermember with reference to said can end supporting means to therebycondition said key transfer member to deliver keys to desired positionscentered or off center with respect to supported can ends, and meansmounting said magazine for adjustments to correlate it with said keytransfer member according to the selected range of movement of said keytransfer member.

5. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, a structure as set forthin claim 4 and which includes electrode means movable into contact witha supported can end and key thereon, and means mounting aid electrodemean for adjustments conforming to the adjustments of the magazine andthe range of movement of the key transfer member.

6. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, a frame formed with a railseat; a rail removably positioned on said. seat; releasable holdingmeans for retaining said rail on said eat: a key stack magazine having aslotted base supported on said rail; and screw means extending through aslot in said base and having threaded connection with said rail, saidscrew and slot providing for small adjustments of said magazine on saidframe, said magazine being bodily removable from said frame togetherwith said rail ,upon releasing of said holding means.

'7. In a, machine for securing keys to can ends, a frame; a seat thereoncomprising a flat surface and an overhanging portion at one end thereof;a key magazine having a rail on its bottom adapted to rest on said seat,said rail having one end portion adapted to extend under the overhangingseat end portion; and means for releasably maintaining said rail on saidseat comprising a yoke, means pivotally connecting the yoke to theframe, and a holding screw having threaded connection to said yoke andbeing adapted to be drawn up against said rail to force it against saidseat flat surface and overhanging end portion.

8. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means for supporting a canend and key in position to be welded, electrode means contactible with asupported can end and key respectively; a switch operable for enabling aWelding circuit to be closed through said electrode means and said canend and key; a detector responsive to contact with a can end in weldingposition for operating said switch; and means for effecting relativemovement between said detector and said' can end to bring said detectorrelatively into contact with said can end.

9. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means for supporting a canend and key in position to be welded, electrode means contactible with aupported can end and key respectively; a switch operable for enabling awelding circuit to be closed through said electrode means and said canend and key; a detector responsive to contact with a key in weldingposition for operating said switch; and means for efiecting relativemovement between said detector and said key to bring said detectorrelatively intocontact with.

said key.

10. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means for supporting acan end and key. in position to be welded, electrode means contactiblewith a supported can end and key respectively;

two switches operable for enabling a welding cir- I cult to be closedthrough said electrode means and said can end and key; a detectorresponsive to contact with a can end in welding positionfor operatingone of said switches; a detector responsive to contact with a key inwelding position for operating the other of said switches; and means foreffecting relative movement between said detectors and said can end andkey respectively to bring said detectors relatively into contact withsaid can end and key respectively.

11. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, mean for upporting a canend and a key in position to be welded; an electrode engageable with thecan end on the side thereof opposite said key; a movable electrodeengageable with said key; means for moving said movable electrodetowards and from said key; a switch operable for enabling a weldingcircuit to be closed through said electrodes and said can end and key;means mounting said switch to move together with said movable electrode;a switch operating device normally inactively positioned with respect tosaid switch; and means yieldably mounting said device to move togetherwith said movable electrode and said switch toward said can end untilsaid device engages said can end, the yieldable mounting of said devicethen permitting it to be held stationary by said can end while saidelectrode and switch continue to move, and the resultant relativemovement of said device and said switch bringing about operation of saidswitch by said device.

12. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means for supporting acan end and a key in position to be welded; an electrode engageable withthe can end on the side thereof opposite said key; a movable electrodeengageable with said key; means for moving said movable electrodetowards and from said key; a switch operable for enabling a weldingcircuit to be closed through said electrodes and said can end and key;means mounting said switch to move together with said movable electrode;a switch operating device normally inactively positioned with respect tosaid switch; and means yieldably mounting said device to move togetherwith said movable electrode and said switch toward said key until saiddevice engages said key, the yieldable mounting of said device thenpermitting it to be held stationary by said key while said electrode andswitch continue to move, and the resultant relative movement of saiddevice and said switch bringing about operation of said switch by saiddevice.

13. In a machine for welding looped end keys to can ends, means forsupporting a can end in position to be welded; a slide for carrying akey over a can end when the latter'is in position to be welded, saidslide being canstructed to engage the key with no part of the slideclosing the opening in the key looped end; means for op- 10 crating saidslide to move a key engaged thereby into welding position and for thenmoving the key-engaging part away from the welding position; anelectrode engageable with said can end on the side thereof opposite akey in welding position; a movable electrode engageable with said key; aswitch operable for enabling a welding circuit to be closed through saidelectrodes and said can end and key; a rod; means mounting said rod forendwise movement into the looped end of said key; means for moving saidmovable electrode; said switch, and said rod together toward said canend and key including yieldable means for permitting the rod to come torest when it projects through said key looped end and engages said canend and to remain stationary during continued movement of said movableelectrode and switch, thereby bringing about relative movement of saidrod and switch; and means responsive to relative movement of said rodand switch for operating said switch, the means for operating said slidebeing timed to feed the key to welding position before said rod hasmoved to engagement with aid can end and to move the key engaging slidepart away from the welding position while said rod is projected throughsaid key looped end.

14. In a machine for welding looped end keys to can ends, means forsupporting a can end in position to be welded; a slide for carrying akey over a can end when the latter is in position to be welded, saidslide being constructed to engage the key with no part of the slideclosing the opening in the key looped end; means for operating saidslide to move a key engaged thereby into welding position and for thenmoving the keyengaging part away from the welding position; an electrodeengageable with said can end on the side thereof opposite a key inwelding position; a support movable towards and from a key in weldingposition; an electrode mounted on said support; a cylinder mounted onsaid support; two switches mounted on said support, operation of both ofsaid switches being required for enabling a welding circuit to becompleted through said electrodes, said can end and said key; a pistonreciprocable in said cylinder towards and from said can end and key; aspring for urging said piston to move in said cylinder towards said key;means operable by movement of aid piston in said cylinder for operatingone of said switches, a rod reciprocable axially in said cylinder andpiston; a spring for urging said rod to move axially of said piston andcylinder through the looped end of said key; means operable by movementof aid rod axially of said piston and cylinder for operating the otherof said switches; and means for moving said support towards said can endand key for projecting said rod through said key looped end into contactwith the can end, for then continuing to move said movable electrode andsaid cylinder and piston while the rod remains stationary whereby thepiston will push the key along the rod and against the can end, and forthen continuing to move said movable electrode while said rod and saidpiston are stationary until said movable electrode makes welding contactwith said key.

15. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, a pair of spacedelectrodes; means far supporting a can end and key between saidelectrodes; means for moving at least one of said electrodes toward theother to bring about welding contact between said electrodes and saidcan end and key respectively; means for establishing a welding circuitthrough said electrodes, said can end and said key including switchmeans normally preventing establishing of the welding circuit; anddetector means exclusive of the electrodes mounted out of the path ofmovement of the movable electrode and being operable in response tomovement of said movable electrode towards both a can end and keypositioned between said electrodes for actuating said switch means tothereby establish the welding circuit.

16. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means including electrodemeans for passing a welding current through a contacting key and canend; a moving discharge member; magnetic means on said discharge member;and ejector means for moving a welded can end and key sufficiently closeto said discharge member to be attracted by said magnetic means to beheld on said discharge member and moved thereby to a delivery station.

1'7. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means includingelectrode means for passing a welding current through a contacting keyand 'can end; a feeding member formed with a seat for supporting awelded can end and key; means for moving said member over apredetermined path to move a supported welded can end and key away fromsaid electrode means; a discharge member; magnetic means on saiddischarge member; means mounting the discharge member to move adjacentthe path of the feeding member but not sufficiently close thereto forthe magnetic means to effectively attract a can end and key and movethem off said feeding member; and

ejector means for displacing a can endand key from said seat and movingthem sufficiently close to said seat to be effectively attracted by saidmagnetic means and held thereby on said discharge member for movement toa delivery station.

18. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means including electrodemeans for passing a welding current through a contacting key and canend; a feeding member for supporting a welded can end and key; means formoving said member over a predetermined path to move a supported weldedcan end and key away from said electrode means; and meansfor displacingthe welded can end and key from said feeding member and moving them to adelivery point including a discharge member, magnetic means on saiddischarge member, and means mounting the d scharge member to moveadjacent the path of the feeding member,

19. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, means including electrodemeans for passing a welding current through a contacting key and canend; a feeding member for supporting a welded can end and key; means formoving said ,member over a predetermined path to move a supported weldedcan end and key away from said electrode means; means for displacing thewelded can end and key from said feeding member and moving them toadelivery point including a discharge member, magnetic means on saiddischarge member, and means mounting the disa turret formed with a seatfor supporting a ,can

end and with an opening surrounded by said seat; electrode means mountedto be engageable with a can end and key supported on said seat when theturret is in one position; an ejector; means mounting said ejector tomove through said opening to displace a welded can end and key from saidseat when the. turret is in another position; and means operating saidturret and said ejector in timed relationship to move said turret fromsaid one position to said other po-' sition and to then move saidejector through said opening to displace the can end and key from saidseat.

21. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, a turret formed with aseat for supporting a can end and with an opening surrounded by saidseat; electrode means mounted to be engageable with a can end andkeysupported on said seat when the turret is in one position; anejector; means mounting said ejector to move through said opening todisplace a welded can end and key from said seat when the turret is inanother position; means operating said turret and said ejector in timedrelationship to move said turret from said one position to said otherposition and to then move said ejector through said opening to displacethe can end and key from said seat; a discharge member; means mountingsaid discharge member to move adjacent said seat when said-turret is insaid other position; a magnet on said discharge member for attractingand holding on said discharge member a can end and key displaced fromsaid seat by said ejector; and means for effecting displacement of saidcan end and key from said discharge member.

22. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, a rotatable turret formedwith a seat for supporting acan end and with an opening surrounded bysaid seat; electrode means mounted to be engageable with a can end andkey supported on said seat when the turret is in one position; areciprocable ejector mounted to move through said opening to displace awelded can end and key from said seat when the turret is in anotherposition; means for rotating said turret intermittently to place saidseat successively in said one position andthen in said other position;means cooperable with said electrode means for welding a seat-supportedcan end and key when said seat is in said one position; means foroperating said ejector when said'seat isin said other position fordisplacing a welded can end and key from said seat; a rotatabledischarge plate; a magnet carried by said discharge plate; meansmounting said discharge plate to move said magnet sufficiently close toa can end and key displaced from said seat bysaid ejector for attractingand holding said can end and key; and means for stripping said can endand key from said magnet at a delivery point removed from said elector.

23. In mechanism for feeding and delivering can ends, a feeding memberformed with a seat for supporting a can end and with an openingsurrounded by said seat; means for moving said feeding memberintermittently to feed a can end supported on said seat to diflerentpositions; an ejector, means for moving said ejector through saidopening when said feeding member is in a predetermined position todisplace a can end from said seat; a rotatable discharge plate; aplurality of circumferentially spaced magnets on said discharge plate;means mounting said discharge plate to move said magnets sumcientlyclose to a can end displaced from said seat by said ejector to enableone of said magnets to attract and hold said can end; and a stripper barpositioned to be engaged by the can end while the latter is being key towelding position between said electrode means and said can end and thenmove the key feeding part of said member away from the welding position;a key retaining member; means mounting said key retaining membernormally out or the path of feeding of the key; and means for operatingsaid key feeding member and said key retaining member in timedrelationship to feed a key to welding position, to then project said keyretaining member into the key looped end, and to then move the keyfeeding part of said key feeding member away from the welding positionwhile the key is held against accompanying the key feeding member.

25. In a machine for welding keys to can ends, I

electrode means; means for positioning can ends to be engaged by theelectrode means; and means for positioning keys on can ends to also beengaged by said electrode means, comprising a key magazine, areciprocable key feeding element for moving keys from the magazine anddelivering them to the can ends, a spring urging said key feedingelement to move from said magazine to the point of key delivery, andmeans periodically operable against the urge of said spring forreturning said key feeding element to said magazine.

RALPH M. MERO.

